As a child, Christmas meant waking up in the early morning hours to see what “Santa” brought. My sister and I would get up way earlier than usual because of our sheer anticipation for our gifts. We would almost fly down the stairs and round the corner with excitement. Just as we expected, “Santa” had come. We were filled with joy and could not be calmed down…until a week or so went by and the newness wore off, and it was back to reality.
It was more about gifts then. So, my awe of Christmas faded quickly. And as I got older, I achieved and tasted success by the world’s standards, collecting more things. But no matter how much I strived for something more, filling up on things of the world, it left me empty. It wasn’t until I found Christ that I realized the true meaning of Christmas. Christ gave us the ultimate gift, coming into the world so that we would not die the death we deserved. He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The joy we felt as children was temporary, but the joy Christ brings through redemption is eternal. Christ is the true fulfillment and the only one who can fill that void.
This Christmas season, whether it’s full of family joy or family sorrow, we can all be thankful for the incredible gift that our Savior, Jesus Christ gave us. It’s the greatest gift anyone can or will receive in all of eternity.
We don’t have to wait for Christmas for this everlasting joy. His mercies are new every morning and every minute of the day. If you have not yet been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, I invite you to do that this Christmas season. He is waiting with open arms.